Local Uber drivers still not happy despite minimum fare increase

Is Uber treating drivers fairly?

Uber drivers in South Africa are one of the most heavily affected with all the petrol price increases. With Uber making a small change since the start of August, drivers are calling on the company to do more to help their driver partners.

Uber drivers: “Uber is bleeding us dry”

To start the month, Uber announced that it had increased its minimum fare charge across the country from R20 to R25. While the change was welcomed, many drivers believe that they won’t see a real difference.

“Even with this small increase, Uber remains one of the most affordable and efficient ways to get around your city. You will still enjoy the reliable service you have come to expect from us.

“As more drivers look to Uber as an earning opportunity, this small increase will still make it possible for riders to access affordable transport while providing profitable earnings for driver-partners,” Uber said of the fare increase.

Currently, Uber charges a commission of 25% on all trips. Drivers are desperate to have Uber reduce that commission to 20% in order to make a reasonable living in the current local economic climate.

One driver, Robert Mabokeli, told IOL that over his three years in the industry, it is getting tougher and tougher to survive.

“It is best to decrease the commission. Petrol is high, maintaining the car is even more costly. If the commission doesn’t go down, I don’t see how we will sustain the business any longer. More and more drivers are leaving daily and those joining are not aware of the difficulty we face,” he said.

“The commission must drop to at least 20%. We understand that the company needs to make an income but it is too much for us,” another driver said.

Uber has said that the commission fee makes up the cost of running the app and making improvements.